Feb 26,(V7N) – From football’s continental battles to cricket’s historic fixtures and the politics of sport, the global arena is alive with drama, triumph, and controversy. Here is a full roundup of the latest developments across world sport.

After a four‑year absence due to the pandemic, North Korea’s women’s football team return to the spotlight as one of the favourites for the Women’s Asian Cup in Australia. Their dominance at youth level has been extraordinary, with back‑to‑back U‑17 World Cup titles in 2024 and 2025, and a U‑20 World Cup triumph in Colombia. Drawn alongside Uzbekistan, China, and Bangladesh, the three‑time Asian champions are tipped to challenge hosts Australia and Japan. Star forward Kim Kyong Yong, who scored 12 goals at the Asian Games, leads a squad blending youth and experience.

Japan coach Nils Nielsen praised North Korea’s relentless energy, noting their physical style and ability to “run and run.” Analysts highlight the role of the Pyongyang International Football School, founded in 2013, in systematically training players from childhood. The team’s return to continental competition is seen as a major test of whether youth success can translate to senior dominance.

The Bangladesh women’s national football team played a closed‑door friendly against Western Sydney Wanderers FC as part of their preparations for the Asian Cup. The match, staged at the club’s training ground, is part of a broader effort to expose Bangladeshi players to international conditions ahead of their group fixtures.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino said he was “very reassured” about Mexico’s ability to host World Cup 2026 matches, despite recent cartel violence in Guadalajara following the killing of CJNG leader Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera. At least 74 people died in clashes, but Infantino insisted the tournament will be “spectacular.” Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus also ruled out changes to Guadalajara’s hosting role.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board has confirmed the inaugural Women’s Bangladesh Premier League (WBPL) will run from April 4–14, 2026, with matches in Chattogram and Dhaka. The three‑team tournament coincides with Pohela Boishakh, the Bengali New Year, and aims to provide a platform for local talent.

BCB Women’s Wing Chairperson Rubaba Dowla revealed that several international stars have expressed interest, including potential participation from Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Harmanpreet Kaur. Unlike the men’s BPL, there are no nationality restrictions. The WBPL is seen as a strategic move to ease tensions with the BCCI after disputes over Mustafizur Rahman’s IPL contract and Bangladesh’s refusal to tour India for the Men’s T20 World Cup.

Cricket Australia has unveiled the schedule for a historic two‑Test series against Bangladesh in August 2026. Darwin and Mackay will host the matches, marking Bangladesh’s second Test tour to Australia since 2003. Mackay will debut as a Test venue, while Darwin returns after more than two decades. CEO Todd Greenberg said the fixtures highlight Australia’s ability to stage Tests outside the traditional summer window.

Bangladesh pacer Shoriful Islam expressed delight after teammate Nahid Rana was signed by Peshawar Zalmi in the Pakistan Super League. Rana joins compatriots Mustafizur Rahman, Parvez Hossain Emon, and Rishad Hossain. Shoriful, who missed out in the auction, will feature alongside Rana in the Bangladesh Cricket League one‑day clash between North Zone and South Zone in Rajshahi.

Sri Lanka’s campaign ended with a 61‑run defeat to New Zealand in Colombo.

  • New Zealand: 168‑7 (20 overs).
  • Sri Lanka: 107‑8 (20 overs).

Top scorers for Sri Lanka were Kamindu Mendis (31) and Dunith Wellalage (29), while Rachin Ravindra starred with 4 wickets. Captain Dasun Shanaka apologised to fans and vowed to finish on a high by defeating Pakistan in their final Super 8 match.

Beyond results, Shanaka criticised the wave of public negativity, urging government intervention to protect young players’ mental health. He said outside criticism had created a harmful environment, undermining morale. His comments sparked debate about the role of media and fans in shaping sporting culture in Sri Lanka.

In another Super 8 clash, England edged Pakistan by 2 wickets.

  • Pakistan: 164‑9 (20 overs).
  • England: 166‑8 (19.1 overs).

Harry Brook produced a stunning century (100 off 51 balls), while Shaheen Afridi impressed with 4 wickets. The result boosted England’s semifinal qualification, leaving Pakistan needing victory against Sri Lanka to stay alive.

Bangladesh’s State Minister for Youth and Sports M Aminul Haque urged banks and financial institutions to expand sponsorship and support for athletes. Plans include a fixed salary structure for national players and a grassroots talent search programme after Eid‑ul‑Fitr. Executives welcomed the initiative, pledging to elevate Bangladesh’s sports infrastructure to world standards.

From the politics of football in Pyongyang to the emergence of new cricket venues in Australia, and the volatile mix of sport and security in Mexico, the global sports landscape remains as dynamic as ever. With tournaments overlapping across continents, the next few months promise high drama, historic milestones, and stories that transcend the playing field.

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